Echinacea Extract

Echinacea, commonly known as cone flower or black sampson is a purple colored flower which belongs to the daisy or sunflower family called Asteraceae. Though echinacea originated in North America, today it is widely grown all across the world especially for its medicinal value. Its antibacterial, anti fungal and antiviral properties make it one of the best herbs to treat a number of diseases. Hence, echinacea extract basically works by improving the body's immune system by stimulating the white blood cells which attack or destroy bacteria or any other foreign body that can form infections and other health disorders.

Preparation

One can easily make echinacea extract at home with the help of the given preparation methods.

1. Take ½ cup of fresh echinacea herb in a coffee grinder or food processor and grind well. Keep the echinacea in a sterile mason jar and top the herb with 1 cup of vodka or apple cider vinegar.
2. Take ¼ cup dried echinacea herb in a coffee grinder or food processor and grind well. Keep the echinacea in a sterile mason jar and top the herb with ¾ cup of vodka or apple cider vinegar and ½ cup of water. To secure the mixture from leaking, seal the mason jar with a tight fitting sterile lid and store for 2 weeks, shaking the mixture regularly. After two weeks, strain the echinacea from the tincture, remove the used herb and pour the mixture or tincture in to a dark-colored glass bottle with a dropper.

Benefits

• Echinacea is the most commonly used herbal medicine to treat respiratory illnesses like common cold, cough and flu.
• Echinacea cream or extract is also useful in treating many skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory effects help to overcome skin irritation or inflammation, as well as soothe the skin. Moreover, it is also effective in curing burns, insect bites, acne and ulcers.
• By stimulating the production of white blood cells, it strengthens the defense mechanism of the body and helps the body to fight infections, heal wounds and regenerate itself.
• It helps curing many infectious diseases. Its anti bacterial properties are quite effective in treating urinary tract infections, genital herpes, candidiasis, etc.
• Echinacea extract is also known to provide relief from sore or inflamed throat. A mixture comprising garlic, echinacea and warm water is highly effective in soothing sore throat and enlarged lymph glands.
• Echinacea extract suppresses an enzyme called hyaluronidase which is released by a bacterium that intrudes the growth and production of healthy body cells. Hence, the extract prevents this bacteria from spreading in the body, thereby reducing the risks of having cancer.

Echinacea extract is highly effective when used in combination with other herbs like goldenseal extract. The best way to gain the benefits is by using it in the form of tea or tincture. However, like the two sides of a coin, echinacea also has some side effects. People who are allergic to flowers belonging to the family Asteraceae including daisy, sunflower, chrysanthemums, etc are also found to be allergic to echinacea. Hence, it is recommended that one should consult a doctor or a herbalist in order to avoid unexpected echinacea side effects and derive most of the echinacea health benefits safely.